My Top 10: Best whitewater paddling rivers in the north state

Each Tuesday, we ask a local aficionado to share a personal top 10 list, consisting of things to do within an easy day's drive. This week: whitewater paddling.

Dave Steindorf is the California stewardship director for American Whitewater and resides in Chico.

American Whitewater's mission is to conserve and restore America's whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely. More information can be found on the American Whitewater website, www.americanwhitewater.org.

1. MIDDLE FORK FEATHER RIVER &GT;&GT; The most spectacular rivers in the United States are designated by Congress as Wild and Scenic Rivers. These rivers have been set aside for special protection because of their outstanding remarkable values. One of these rivers resides right in our backyard.

But the Middle Fork of the Feather River is not just any Wild and Scenic River. It is actually one of the original eight that were designated when the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was passed back in 1968. This means that the Middle Fork Feather River was considered to be the best of the best. What is truly amazing is how few North Staters know about this amazing gem that is right out our backdoor. A journey on the Middle Feather from its headwaters near Beckworth to where it terminates in Lake Oroville — for those with the requisite Class V kayaking or rafting skills — is one of the best in the world.

One favorite is the run from Nelsons Bar, near Quincy, down to Milsap Bar, outside of Berry Creek, which is generally a three-day run. The other popular run is from Milsap Bar down to Lake Oroville, through Bald Rock Canyon.

It's possibly the most spectacular place in Butte County, and I would speculate that there are only 1,000 people that have seen this canyon in its entirety.

2. NORTH FORK FEATHER RIVER &GT;&GT; While it is just one drainage to the north of the Middle Feather, the North Fork is a very different river.

Beginning early in the last century, waters of this river were diverted for hydropower. By the 1970s virtually all of the water from Lake Almanor to Lake Orville ran in pipes and tunnels alongside the river. After years of negotiation with PG&E, some of that water has now been returned to the river. Along with a greatly improved fishery, sections of the North Fork Feather now contain some of the best year-round whitewater boating in California.

The best sections of whitewater are from the Rock Creek Dam, near Belden, down to the Cresta Powerhouse close to where Highway 70 enters the canyon.

3. MERCED RIVER, YOSEMITE VALLEY &GT;&GT; Every year people from the north state, and around the world, flock to Yosemite. While trips to the Valley are nothing new, what is new is that next year you will be able to float in a raft, kayak or canoe down the length of Yosemite Valley, where you couldn't before.

Most of this run is flat with little whitewater. What it lacks in whitewater excitement, it makes up for with spectacular views of one of the most iconic places on earth. In my view, this is simply the best way to see Yosemite Valley.

4. WEST BRANCH FEATHER RIVER &GT;&GT; When I first moved to Paradise in the early '90s, the West Branch was relatively unexplored. Odd, given that most of the whitewater rivers in California were explored in the early 1980s. After hiking and eventually running some sections, we were amazed that this classic river had nor been discovered earlier. It has been described to me that this canyon is where the Sierra Nevada meets the Cascade Range. This accounts for the amazing rose granite, serpentine and quartz in the canyon walls.

My favorite run starts where Jordan Hill Road, near Magalia, crosses the West Branch. The take-out is a short hike out to Dean Road.

5. MCCLOUD RIVER &GT;&GT; Back in the late 1800s, some of the wealthiest individuals from San Francisco purchased large portions of land around the McCloud River. One thing we know for sure, people with unimaginable wealth don't buy lousy real estate. With constant cold water that originates on Mount Shasta, the McCloud River is home to a world-renowned trout fishery. It also hosts fabulous Class III/IV whitewater trips above and below McCloud Reservoir.

6. PIT RIVER &GT;&GT; Flowing northeast of Redding into Lake Shasta, the Pit River provides the bulk of the water that flows into the Sacramento River. There are several great sections of the Pit for both whitewater boating and fishing. The runs are mostly Class III and IV and have a high-desert feel in the upper section near Fall River Mills. Farther down, near the town of Big Bend, the canyon is more forested. As an added bonus, one section contains one of California's only riverside hot springs.

7. LOWER FEATHER RIVER &GT;&GT; If you are looking for something on the mellow side, the lower Feather River is a great option and close by. Very pretty and lots of wildlife. You can put in near the Feather River Fish Hatchery and float through the Oroville Wildlife Area down to the afterbay outlet.

8. BUTTE CREEK &GT;&GT; This is the backyard run for most paddlers in Chico. From Centerville down, this is a great run for beginning paddlers. California is awash in challenging Class V whitewater. Class II/III runs are actually hard to find. Paddlers from all over the region come to Butte Creek in the spring because it is one of the best around. Locals love the surf wave at the Centerville Powerhouse.

9. SACRAMENTO RIVER &GT;&GT; It would be impossible to have this list without mentioning the Sac River. It is so close, and there is so much of it. Perfect for canoes or kayaks and plenty of places to camp. There are many options for single or multi-day trips from Redding to Chico and beyond. It is mostly Class I and II. However, the Sacramento is a big river that is deceptively swift. Please approach with caution.

10. YUBA RIVER &GT;&GT; Running just south of Chico and eventually through the town of Marysville, the three forks of the Yuba River contain some of California's best whitewater. Beginner to expert, there is something for every type of boater on the Yuba.